Variations in Practice among Cirrhotic Patients with Portal Vein Thrombosis and Esophageal Varices: A North American Survey Study

INTRODUCTION:There exists variation regarding the approach to anticoagulation and variceal hemorrhage (VH) prophylaxis among patients with cirrhosis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT).METHODS:A survey was distributed to gastroenterology and hepatology providers to assess the approach to anticoagulation and VH prophylaxis among patients with PVT in cirrhotic patients.RESULTS:Providers were more likely to start anticoagulation if the patient was listed for liver transplantation, was symptomatic, or had superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. For prevention of first VH, many providers opt for combination therapy with both nonselective beta blockers and variceal ligation.DISCUSSION:Although providers agree on the clinical scenarios that merit initiation of anticoagulation, practice variation was identified in the means of preventing first VH.